n i K i t A T H A K r a r

S o l o K a t h a k D a n c e R e c i t a l

W e d n e s d a y 2 4 t h J u n e 2 0 1 5

N e h r u C e n t r e , L o n d o n

I n c e l e b r a t i o n o f N i k i t a ’ s 3 0 t h B i r t h d a y …

Namaskar!

A very warm welcome to my dance performance and a heartfelt

Thank you for joining me on this special occasion.

I am very fortunate to have found Kathak dance in my early

teens, when I was just being introduced to the glamour of Indian

culture! From various local dance classes to long trips to India of

soul searching, I was blessed to find my Guruma Shila Mehta, with

whom I studied with for ten years. After completing my Rangmanch

Pravesh in 2013, I further developed my training with Padmashree

Pratap Pawar, who still guides and mentors me.

Kathak dance has been as been a key part of my growth and

self-development as a person. It has molded me into who I am

today. The way I naturally think and view life is always through the

artistic, philosophical and logical mind that Kathak has given me.

Since I began this fascinating journey, it had always been a

strong desire of mine to share. Thus I was pulled towards teaching

at an early age. I set up the Dancing Nikita Company as a platform

to do so at the age of 20, which this year celebrates its 10th

Anniversary.

Today it brings me great joy to see my students flourish and

take a both an academic approach towards ISTD Examinations and

a holistic approach towards the art form. I continue to learn and

explore alongside them, still holding the same curiosity for the

form, as when I first started.

This evenings’ performance is a humble attempt to present

myself as a solo artist, having conceputalised the show together

with a wonderful and supportive team of musicians! I seek both of

my Guru’s blessings, and most of all good wishes from my family,

friends, students and well-wishers. On this timely occasion, I pray

for the good health to continue to explore the richness and depth

of Kathak dance as I go into the next decade…

Dance

Dance is what developed my eye to see,

I was trapped before but dance set me free.

Dance gave me beauty, it enhanced my smile,

It lights up my eyes and makes me feel worthwhile.

Dance allows me to listen; it gives me the ability to feel,

The illusion of a dream, yet everything is so real.

Dance taught me values; it showed me how to give,

It is through dance that I learnt how to truly live.

Dance is a journey that takes a lifetime,

There is so much to explore, like a big mountain to climb.

Once I explored my body, I focussed on my mind,

Then incorporated emotions and then came the time…

For my mind, body and spirit to all co-ordinate,

To produce a beautiful magic, a mindless state.

Itineary of show

“Dua” Dua is an Arabic word for invocation. In this piece I

explore the bridge between the Hindu & Islamic approach

towards the act of worship. The soft vocals of the sargam

compliment the subtle movements, with intense focus

and concentration of the mind. This spiritual piece acts as

a devotional prayer to embrace the divine and to warmly

welcome the audience.

Taal: Jabhtaal [10 beat cycle]

Raag: Malkauns

Technical dance:A sequence of musical patterns, accompanied by the

melodious Sarangi and electrifying Tabla. In this piece I

attempt to demonstrate the contrast between speed and

stillness, through various rhythmic compositions.

Taal: Teen Taal Vilumbat & Madhya Laya [16 beat cycle]

Raag: Basant

Expressional dance: A playful and sweet story about the pranks of Lord Krishna

as a child. In this light hearted and amusing piece, the

little toddler tries several attempts to eat butter whilst his

mother is out. On her return, she finds the pot broken and

butter all over his face! To which Krishna convincingly gives

several excuses that it was not him…!

“Maiya more mein nahin makhan kayo”, by Lata

Mangeshkar.

Technical dance:A series of compositions, including Thaat, Amad, Tora,

Tihais and Paran.

Raag: Basant

Taal: Dhamar Taal [14 beat cycle]

Expressional dance:A romantic concept of a heroine sending a letter to her

lover via a crow. She anxiously waits in hope throughout

the night, for the crow to deliver her message.

“Ja ja re kagawa”, sung by Parveen Sultana

Taal: Keheva Taal [8 beat cycle]

Raag: Pahadi

Tarana:A joyful and expressive dance to conclude the performance.

A Tarana is a musical piece where sounds and syllables are

sang, rather than recited. In this piece the beauty of rhythm

is shown through movements, compsotiions, rhythmic

phrases, and stances, accompanied by vocals.

Taal: Ek Taal

Raag: Bhimplasi

Musician’s biographies:

SarangiSri Surjeet Singh was initiated into music by Sri Satguru

Jagjit Singh Ji at a very early age. At Sri Bhaini Sahib he received

training in playing the dillruba from Ustad Gurdev Singh and

Ustad Harbhajan Singh. He later received training in vocal

classical music but his passion for the sarangi eventually led

him to become the disciple of Pandit Ram Narayan settled for

the sarangi in 1977. He spent the next 15 years of his life in

training and now is an outstanding sarangi player in his own

right. In recent years Surjeet Singh has also received guidance

from Pandit Hanuman Prasad Mishra (Banaras Gharana).

Surjeet Singh’s technical mastery, along with the richness of

his musical ideas and his traditional approach has won him

admiration throughout the world.His large repertoire of

Khayal, Thumris with an artistry, which makes a deep impact

on the adept and uninitiated listener alike. Surjeet Singh has

played extensively in India at various important festivals giving

solo recitals. He has accompanied leading musicians - Ustad

Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan , Pandit Rajan-Sajan

Mishra and Shri L K Pandit amongst others. He is a graded

artist of All India Radio.

Tabla & VocalsNafiz Irfan is a London based artist, who hails from a

family of musicians and vocalists. He has learnt classical music,

under Shika Gunguly (Kerana Gharana), particularly focusing

on Khyal, Dhrupad & semi-classical styles of singing (Ghazals,

Bhajans, Dadra, Kafi & Thumri). Nafiz performs regularly in the

UK and Europe, with inspiration from the legendary late singer

Ustad Fathe Ali Khan and Rahat Ali Khan. Nafiz also plays the

Harmonium, Surmandil and Tabla, which he studied under

Ustad Shaukat Hussain in Pakistan. Nafiz sings comfortably in

Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.

TablaSaqib Qureshi was first introduced to Tabla by Pandit

Popatkar. Having had a background of playing bass drums

and guitar in a band, got motivated by the classical percussion

of North India. He is particularly drawn to the Punjab Gharana

and looks to Ustaad Tari Khan’s style of playing for inspiration.

After Pandit Ji’s passing, Saqib took the opportunity to tour

with various artists, playing ghazals and light classical. Today

Saqib is under the tutelage of Nafiz Irfan, and has recently

started accompanying Kathak dance with the Dancing Nikita

Company. Saqib is enjoying this new challenge and looks

forward to presenting solo Tabla in the near future.

I n c e l e b r a t i o n o f N i k i t a ’ s 3 0 t h B i r t h d a y …

Special thanks:

When I was first asked what I wanted to do for my 30th Birthday, I had to

think long and hard. Did I want to throw a lavish party? Did I want a nice holiday,

perhaps a cruise? Or even a quiet meal with those closest to me. It soon came to

mind that the ideal way mark the occasion would be through my most natural

form of communication and celebration, dance.

A warm thank you to all the people who have been a part of and encouraged

my dance journey to date. Firstly I appreciate my parents for their selfless support,

along with my Nani who has been a guardian angel in my life. My senior students

and close friends, Shivani and Deepa for being a soundboard! All the musicians,

particularly Saqib who has been a key motivator in this show. Not to mention all

members of my dance company, especially the kids and parents who continue to

believe in me.

Thank you to Asavari Pawar for her contribution in assessing the show and

choreography of the Makhan Chori dance.

Thank you to Carla Delaney for her ongoing PR and media support.

Celebrate DNC’s

10th Anniversary Summer ProductionSaturday 25th July 2015, Beck Theatre, Hayes

Kathak and Bollywood dance production, with live music

Tickets: £20 / £15

Contact:Nikita Thakrar – 01628 298582 / 07904 075 144

Email: admin@dncstudio.com / nikita@nikitaonline.co.uk

www.dncstudio.com / www.nikitaonline.co.uk

Nikita Thakrar